So, he withdraws, having no way to enter them. Then the devil goes and enters the empty jars. He produces whatever he wishes in them, and they become his servants.
But I, the angel of repentance, say to you, “Fear not the devil; for I was sent to be with you who repent with all your heart, and to make you strong in faith. Trust God, then.” 86
April 3
An Angel of Consolation
It is easy to read familiar Scripture stories quickly and superficially. Instead, take a deep breath and then read this familiar story slowly, letting each word live within you: After eating the Passover Meal together, Jesus and his disciples went out, as they often did, to an olive grove called Gethsemane. There, knowing what was going to happen that same evening, Jesus told them to pray that they would not be tested beyond their limit. Jesus himself then withdrew about a stone’s throw from them and, falling to his knees on the rocky ground, opened his heart to his heavenly Father. “Do not have me drink this cup of suffering,” he prayed, “yet, not my will but yours be done.” He was in such agony and his prayer was so intense that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. And his Father, with infinite love, sent a consoling angel to strengthen him in his passion and death. (Based on Luke 22:39–44.)
Father, it is not possible for me to imagine the tremendous love that compelled Jesus to accept the cross for our sake. It is even harder to fathom the love required to sacrifice your only Son to atone for our sins. Strengthen my faith in your boundless love.
April 4
Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636)
The Essence of Angels
Saint Isidore, archbishop of Seville, Spain, was considered the most learned man of his time, and has been suggested as an appropriate patron saint for the Internet. Isidore had a vast collection of sources and he studied and wrote on a great variety of subjects. His major work Etymologies consisted of twenty books. In Book VII, Isidore reflected on the essence of angels:
Angels … announce the will of God to people. The word angel is the name of their function, not their nature. They are always spirits, but when they are sent, they are angels. Through artistic license, painters give them wings…. Just as in the fables of the poets, the angels are said to have wings because of their velocity. Where also the Holy Scriptures say: “Who walks upon wings of the wind” (Psalm 104:3).87
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
